Tulsa Public Schools shares immigration policy to protect information of students

TULSA, Okla. — TPS is making their policy public, letting families know that federal law does not allow immigration raids at school.

In a statement, district employees said all children have a constitutional right to equal access to public education, regardless of their immigration status.

Some teachers tell 2 Works for You they're relieved schools are considered to be a safe space, despite their personal beliefs surrounding immigration.

"It's not fair to taxpayers to pay for that, right? However the other unfair thing is the child didn't choose to immigrate. A little seven year old boy or girl followed his mommy and daddy across the border and now has a new life here," TPS teacher Greg Bilbruck said.

Bilbruck believes multiple undocumented immigrant students were in his class last year.

"She was a great student, not a behavior issue at all. Just a model student. A kind, wonderful, caring girl. Should we punish her and her family? I don't think so," he said.

Mollie Howell at the Kerr School said policies like this keep children in the classroom, instead of staying at home out of fear.

"It's important that parents know whenever they drop their kids off for school that we're doing every single thing that we can to keep their children safe, and protecting their information is one of the ways that we keep them safe," Howell said.

Customs enforcement also shared a statement with 2 Works for You, saying the current policy directs agents to avoid enforcement at schools unless there are circumstances related to security, terrorism, public safety, or an immediate threat of destroying evidence. In these cases officers and agents must conduct themselves discreetly and act quickly.

For more information on TPS resources for immigrant families, click here
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